Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for an end to the political crisis in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to put aside their differences and work together for the state’s development.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Trans-Kalabari Road project on Monday, Jonathan emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration between outgoing and incoming governors, saying it is crucial for the collective interest of the state.
Rivers State has been plagued by political turmoil since late last year, stemming from a fallout between Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister, and Fubara. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, the conflict recently escalated, with several commissioners loyal to Wike resigning again and lawmakers aligned with the FCT Minister intensifying their confrontations with Governor Fubara.
Jonathan warned that the ongoing discord could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Rivers State but for the entire country, given the state’s strategic importance as the heart of the Niger Delta and a significant oil-producing region.
He urged the parties involved to put the interest of the state and its people above personal differences, saying, “Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole country will be destabilized.”